Hey….
While this is not a Line of Duty Death, we feel it is worthy of notification because most Firefighters wouldn’t hesitate to attempt a rescue-on or off duty….and that was the case in Colorado yesterday.
A South Metro http://www.southmetro.org/ Firefighter Paramedic was 1 of 2 snowmobilers killed in an avalanche in Grand County yesterday. The Firefighter/Medic, 38 year old Brian Kopp, lost his life while attempting the rescue of another snowmobilier during an avalanche. The 3 snowmobilers were caught in the avalanche around 1440 hours Saturday. One of them was able to escape, but 2 of them, Kopp, and 19-year-old Mark Goetz, tragically died. The lone survivor of the avalanche stated that FF Kopp was rushing to rescue Goetz, who had got into trouble on the mountain, even though FF Kopp knew it could be dangerous and subsequently lost his life in the process. Goetz had gotten into trouble on the hill, and FF Kopp turned to help him …when he himself got caught in the slide.
The men who died were in a group of four snowmobilers. Goetz and Kopp rode up a steep slope between Little Gravel and Gravel Mountain where they got stuck. Goetz’s father, Chuck Goetz, 59, rode his snowmobile above them, planning to come down and help free them. When he did, an avalanche swept all three down the mountain. Chuck Goetz escaped the slide. Rescue workers were unable to revive Goetz and Kopp and both died at the scene. FF Kopp started his career with South Metro Fire Rescue in 2000 as a firefighter and later became a paramedic. He was studying to be a Lieutenant with his department. Our condolences to all affected by this tragic loss.
UPDATE: Delaware Firefighter Will Breasure Ejected-Remains Critical:
As you remember last weekend, Georgetown (DE) FF Will Breasure was ejected in a single vehicle crash while responding on a fire call. As of this morning, Doctors were going to cut back on the ventilator to see if Will could handle breathing on his own. After cutting it back for a short time they determined that he’s not able to handle it on his own yet so they increased it back to the original settings. The nurse said they will maybe try to do it again in another day or so most likely. She said that though his lungs are slowly improving the pneumonia has created a lot of secretions in his lungs and that is hampering some stuff. His crew from Georgetown (77) has been by his side and visiting-and he did mouth some brief words to them as well. Updates can be found here: http://georgetown77.com/
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 12-28-08 / 2133 hours
